Saydrie rescued her. “…we forget that our Emperors’ ancestors once had to undergo seven tests to be considered worthy to even be in the succession, and that our Governors and Emperor all were once kalōkāt; war-leaders, leaders who had been proven both in battle and in peace. We forget that we believe in merit over ancestry, or that we value merit and skill at all.”

Taikie stepped forward. “We’re all supposed to be learning how to be the most skilled professionals we can be, whether we’re going to be a Governor or an Engineer or a priest. Every single one of us, we’re supposed to be becoming our best. And if that best can be bypassed by someone with the right name or the right Instructor willing to look the other way, then every bit of that education — not just our educations, everyone’s education — is called into question. And I’ve worked way too hard for that.”

Elalekorra had her eyebrows up and was looking between the three of them with an expression Enrie couldn’t quite interpret. She couldn’t even tell if it was positive or negative. The Voice shook her head slowly. “You three are a team, I take it?”

“In more ways than one,” Libkazaari muttered wryly.

Enrie colored. “We work together. On everything.”

“And I see you have not one but two Bitrani standing at your side today. Your teammate, yes, and…”

Gianci cleared his throat. “I’m her bodyguard when she’s doing interesting things, Honored Voice, and the rest of the time, we’re walking out together.”

“Very interesting.” Elalekorra ticked off on her fingers. “As I understand it, you have information regarding a treaty that appears unsigned, you have annoyed someone who wishes to see this information destroyed, and you, instead, want to see it…”

“I want to make sure that reputable adults know about it. I’d like to see it made public, because I think that in the long run, we as nobility have to admit to our failings.”

“And if the Emperor doesn’t feel the same way?”

“Well, he is the Emperor.” Enrie thought that went without saying, but she tried to explain further anyway. “What he chooses is the end of it, and I won’t contest that.”

“You know, if this is a matter he wished to have quiet,” Elalekorra lowered her voice and stared directly at Enrie, “you could be in a lot of trouble.”

“I don’t think it makes sense to punish her,” Taikie cut in. “She didn’t do anything but provide information that was readily available in a school library.”